ES2345268T3 - STEAM COUPLING PLATE AND DEVICES THAT INCLUDE SUCH PLATE. - Google Patents

Abstract

A steam channelling plate has inside it a path (4) for a fluid, the path (4) comprising a fluid infeed section (11), a fluid outfeed section (12), a plurality of pockets (2) and ducts (3). The ducts (3) fluid dynamically interconnect the pockets (2) with each other and with the infeed section (11) and outfeed section (12). Each pocket (2) comprises an inlet (24) and an outlet (25) connected to the respective ducts (3) and is defined by a first base surface (21) and by a second base surface (22), at least partly opposite each other, and by a lateral surface (23) extending between the first and second base surfaces (21,22). The labyrinth path (4) characteristically changes the flow direction of the fluid repeatedly along more than two lines.

Description

Steam channeling plate and device which incorporate said plate.

The present invention relates to a plate of steam channeling that has a type path inside expressly configured maze. The present invention also refers to a steam iron and a cooking device steam in which said plate is incorporated.

Documents GB 686.569 A, DE 855.685 C, DE 6,813,401 U, US 4,594,800 A, DE 1,958,301 A1, disclose electric irons that include a plurality of cavities interconnected that constitute a tortuous path through the which, during the use of the iron, steam is forced to pass before reaching an outlet.

Steam channeling plates are known with a channel that extends primarily in a single direction or which is configured as a series of large square waves amplitude and short wavelength. Along this channel for the steam, before the outlet section through which the steam leaves the plate, extends a series of cavities.

Such cavities cause the steam to scroll through a series of wide and narrow portions.

Plates with plates of this are known type, however they have some disadvantages.

The steam generated by the boiler cools as it flows to the plate, forming unwanted drops of condensed liquid. Especially when synthetic garments are ironed with the devices of the known technique, these drops of liquid are transported by the steam passing through the channel and are expelled from the plate together with the steam. This is due to the fact that synthetic fabrics, in order to prevent them from being damaged, should be ironed at a temperature lower than that normally used for garments of natural fiber fabrics, such as linen or cotton. In the devices belonging to the known technique, the foregoing is obtained by lowering the thermostat setting which, however, means that a part of the steam condenses and ends on the tissue being ironed as drops of liquid. This leaves marks on the fabric and reduces the overall quality of the plan.
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An objective of the present invention is that of eliminate the disadvantages mentioned above by providing a steam channeling plate that has, inside, a labyrinth path expressly configured so produce a steam jet sufficiently moist but lacking drops of liquid, while optimizing the temperature of the license plate.

Another objective of the present invention is that of provide a steam iron that incorporates the plate according to this invention.

Still another objective of the present invention is the of providing a steam cooking device that incorporates the plate according to this invention.

Those and other goals, which will get better than manifest in the description that follows, are achieved, according to the present invention, by means of a steam channeling plate with a path, inside, configured labyrinth type expressly and that exhibits the structural characteristics and functionalities defined in the independent claims annexes; other executions of this invention are defined in the dependent claims.

The present invention is described below. with more level of details referring to the attached drawings which, without restricting its scope, illustrate a preferred execution of the same invention that relates in particular to the application of the plate to a steam iron, in which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the plate according to the present invention;

- Figure 1a is an enlarged view of the detail indicated in figure 1;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of a part of the plate according to the present invention;

- Figure 2a is an enlarged view of the detail indicated in figure 2;

- Figures 3 and 4 show a part of the plate of figure 1 in a side view and a plan view, respectively;

- Figure 5 is a cross section of the part of the plate of figure 4 through the cutting plane A-A shown in Figure 4;

- Figure 6 is a plan view of the part of the plate of figure 2;

- Figure 7 is a cross section of the part of the plate of figure 6 through the cutting plane B-B shown in Figure 6;

- Figure 8 is a cross section schematic of the assembled plate of figure 1 across the plane  C-C section shown in Figures 4 and 6;

- Figure 9 shows in cross section a amplified detail of the assembly of the parts shown in the Figures 5 and 7.

Referring to figure 1, the number 1 denotes a steam channeling plate that it has, in its interior, a labyrinth path expressly configured (4) For a fluid. The path (4) comprises an entry section of the fluid (11), a fluid outlet section (12), a plurality of cavities (2) and ducts (3). The ducts (3) fluid-dynamically interconnect the cavities (2) each other and with the input section (11) and the output section (12); the reference numbers denoting the various parts of each cavity (2) is shown in the enlarged detail views of figure 1a and 2a and, for reasons of clarity, are not exposed In the other drawings.

Each cavity (2) comprises a mouth (24) and a mouth (25) connected to the respective ducts (3). Also, each cavity (2) is defined by a first surface base (21) and for a second base surface (22), at least partially facing each other, and by a lateral surface (23) which extends between the first and second base surface (21 and 22). Preferably, each cavity (2) comprises a single mouth (24) and a single mouth (25).

The labyrinth path (4) changes repeatedly the direction of travel characteristically  of the fluid along more than two lines in space. He fluid displacement, therefore, is extremely turbulent, with repeated widening and restrictions of the section of displacement and with the fluid that travels by portions of the path (4) along several different lines. Each line of fluid displacement is determined by a set of parallel straight lines without direction indication. The ducts (3) are arranged along more than two lines in the space. The respective conduits (3) connected to the mouth (24) and at the mouth (25) of each cavity (2) are arranged spatially along oblique lines with each other.

In a special execution, the path of steam displacement (4) prevents fluid particles from move along any ideal rectilinear path more long than twice the maximum dimension of one of the cavities (2) along which the path extends. Obviously the fluid movement in the labyrinth path (4) is a lot more complex than one such rectilinear trajectory and will usually be very turbulent.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the steam travel path (4) prevents particles of the fluid move along any rectilinear path ideal longer than the sum of the length of the duct (3) plus the maximum dimension of one of the cavities (2) along the which extends the trajectory. This prevents the drops of water transported by the fluid stream move without inconveniences along the travel path (4). The water particles, in effect, tend to collide with the walls of the path (4).

The path (4) comprises means (5) for intercept and break not only drops but also jets of liquid. The means (5) for intercepting and breaking the liquid drops they comprise the lateral surface (23) that delimits the cavities (2), the lateral surface (23) advantageously being configured as the lateral surface (23) of a prism. Water drops this way they find a discontinuity in correspondence of the edge  or of the junction area between two adjacent surface walls lateral (23). Even if the conduit (3) that leads into each cavity (2) is made substantially tangent to a wall of the lateral surface (23) of the cavity (2), this discontinuity facilitates the breakage and arrest of liquid particles. The Water droplets breakage is essential because small particles they vaporize more easily than large particles. Also, the water particles are stopped by the discontinuities and, due to their weight, tend to get trapped inside the cavity (2) until completely vaporized. The above is facilitated by prolonged contact with hot plate walls (1).

In particular, as can be seen in the Figures 1 and 4, the lateral surface (23) that delimits the cavities  (2) is configured as the lateral surface (23) of a prism with hexagonal base.

In another embodiment not illustrated, the surface side (23) has a series of internal grooves that extend substantially at right angles to the first and the second base surface (21 and 22) and that break the drops of liquid.

The means (5) to intercept and break the liquid drops advantageously comprise reliefs (51) which are extend inside the cavities (2). Also the reliefs (51) they help to break up the particles and therefore facilitate their evaporation. In addition, these reliefs hinder the movement of Water particles On the contrary, on smooth surfaces and curves without discontinuities, water particles could tend to be dragged, by inertia, along with the current of fluid.

The reliefs (51) are made in at least one of the base surfaces (21, 22). Preferably, how can you appreciate in figures 1 and 2, the reliefs (51) are made in both base surfaces (21 and 22). As you can see in the Figures 1 and 2, advantageously the reliefs (51) extend from radial mode from the ideal center of at least one of the base surfaces (21, 22).

If the plate (1) has a spatial orientation preferred during use, then it will be possible to identify a lower part and an upper part. In this case, the reliefs (51) made on the base surface in correspondence of the party Lower cavity (2) are very prominent to retain with more effectively the liquid particles trapped inside the cavity (2) by gravity. This keeps the liquid in contact with the hot walls of the cavity (2) for another period of time long, thus facilitating the vaporization of liquid drops.

While the cavities (2) may be oriented differently with respect to the plate (1), advantageously they can have a similar shape, so that it is constant the relationship between the equivalent dimensions. In In particular, the cavities (2) can be identical. Some cavities (2) could differ in form: Figure 2, by example, shows a cylindrical body (26) disposed within the first and third cavity (2) that the fluid finds in its travel along the path (4) through the plate (1). This cylindrical body (26) is located facing the mouth (24) of the fluid in the cavity (2) and helps stop and break the liquid particles

Advantageously, at least one of the ducts (3) is connected to the mouth (25) of at least one of the cavities (2) at least in correspondence of the second base surface (22) and to the mouth (24) of the following cavity (2) at least in correspondence of the first surface base (21). The next cavity (2) is the cavity (2) that, following the displacement of the fluid along the path (4), It is located immediately after the low cavity consideration. Preferably, in the execution shown in the Figure 8, at least one of the conduits (3) is connected to the mouth (25) of at least one of the cavities (2) in correspondence of the second base surface (22) and the mouth (24) of the following cavity (2) in correspondence of the first base surface (21). Advantageously, all intermediate cavities (2) could be connected in the way described above. The duct (3) thus orients the fluid towards the first base surface (21).

Advantageously the plate (1) comprises means (9) to retain the drops of liquid. The means of retention (9) they comprise the lateral surface (23) of the cavity (2) that descends from the first base surface (21) to the mouth (25) of the cavity (2) creating a level difference (91). More precisely, the level difference (91) is the result of connecting at least one of the ducts (3) to the mouth (25) of the cavity (2) in correspondence of the second surface base (22) and at the same time cause the fluid to be fed into the cavity (2) through the mouth (24) in correspondence of the first base surface (21), laid that the first and second surface (21 and 22) face between Yes at different levels.

The difference in level (91), together with the force of gravity tends to trap the drops of liquid inside of the cavity (2), facilitating its vaporization and preventing them from being dragged to the exit section (12) of the plate (1).

The plate (1) could be made of only one part (execution not shown). However, in another execution shown by way of example in figures 1 and 2, the plate (1) it comprises at least a first configured portion (13) and at least a second portion (14), separable from the first portion (13), the travel path (4) being defined by the combination of the first and second portions (13 and 14) of the plate (1). So much the cavities (2) as the conduit (3) are obtained by combining the first and second portion (13 and 14) of the plate (1). The first portion (13) of the plate (1) comprises the first base surface (21) and the lateral surface (23) of the cavities (2), while that the second portion (14) of the plate (1) comprises protuberances (7), whose bases are shaped like a polygon, which extends along a first line at right angles with with respect to the first portion (13) of the plate (1). The protrusions (7) extend at right angles to the base surface (141) of the second portion (14), the surface base (141) being arranged, during use, facing the first portion (13).

Each protuberance (7) can be introduced within an opening (20) defined by the lateral surface (23) of the cavities (2) and be arranged in contact with it lateral surface (23).

In addition, the protuberance (7) may comprise the minus a concavity (70) in correspondence of a base (71) and a groove (72) that puts the concavity (70) in communication with the external part of the bump (7). The reliefs (51) are facts within the concavity (70) equidistant from each other angularly The second base surface (22) of the cavities (2) advantageously matches the base (71) of the protuberances (7). The protuberances (7) narrow the duct (3) at least in correspondence of the mouth (24) of each cavity (2), thus increasing the tortuosity of the path (4) and facilitating the stopping liquid drops.

The second portion (14) of the plate (1) comprises connection means (8) that have a taper default and suitable to be introduced within respective flares (6) made in the first portion (13) of the plate (1), also those flared (6) being configured of conformance to a predetermined taper angle so that facilitate a secure connection between the first and second portion (13 and 14) of the plate (1). Advantageously, but without restricting the invention, the connection means (8) and the flares (6) have The same taper angle. Timely, the means of connection (8) comprise the protuberances (7) that can be introduced into the respective openings (20) that form part of the flares (6). In addition, advantageously the means of connection (8) comprise elements configured as cone trunk (83) that can be introduced inside accommodation (84) Complementary that are also part of the flares (6). Furthermore, preferably the connection means (8) comprise a second edge (82) of the second portion (14), while the flared (6) comprise a first edge (81) of the first portion  (13). Both have a predetermined taper to improve the reciprocal fit.

Advantageously, the first and the second portion (13 and 14) of the plate (1) are made by casting by pressure injection, a method that allows to obtain complex shapes that They are more problematic with more traditional molding methods. The first and second portion (13 and 14) of the plate (1) remain spliced together thanks to the mechanical interference produced when the connection means (8) are arranged within the respective flares (6). The second portion (14) is placed within the first portion (14) with the help of a press. The first and second portion (13 and 14) of the plate (1) are coupled so perfectly with each other so as to facilitate uniformity thermal plate (1). This effect is important to obtain a uniform temperature in all parts of the plate (1) even if the part that is heated is only the first portion (13) (as happens normally). This facilitates the evaporation of any particle of liquid that could be in the fluid stream and trapped in the cavities (2). In addition, to ensure a perfect fluid tightness, the first and second edge (81 and 82) are weld in correspondence of the coupling area that gives access to the outer part of the plate (1). This allows to obtain speeds very high production and assembly of the plate (1).

The plate (1) according to the present invention as described above can be advantageously applied to a steam iron or steam cooker.

During use, the steam generated by a boiler is channeled towards the plate (1). During his transfer, the vapor cools and tends to condense, forming water particles The steam mixed with the drops of water is forced to move through the labyrinth path (4) type beehive made on the plate (1). The steam jet enters into each cavity (2) preferably oriented downwards towards the first base surface (21) that is preferably located in correspondence of the lower part of the plate (1). The reliefs (51) made on the first base surface (21) break Water particles In addition, breakage is possible by reliefs (51) presenting the second base surface (22) of the cavity (2) and due to discontinuities at the connecting edges between the side surface walls (23) of each cavity (2). Advantageously, the mouth (25) of each cavity (2) is located near the second base surface (22), located preferably in correspondence of the upper part of the cavity (2). This makes the fluid path even more tortuous, thus increasing turbulence and preventing liquid particles are carried by the fluid stream without inconvenience and, on the contrary, causing them to collide with the walls of the path (4) of the fluid. The peculiar labyrinth type structure facilitates breakage and vaporization of water drops; the labyrinth structure also retains the water drops, preventing them from moving without inconveniences and increasing the time span that they remain in contact with the hot walls of the path (4) type plate maze (1). In this way the drops of water absorb heat the plate (1) and vaporize. Also, due to the sudden widening and restrictions in the section of displacement, any particle of liquid dragged by the current remains in its small dimension and therefore when come into contact with the hot walls of the plate (1) it they vaporize more easily. Therefore, steam comes out of the plate (1) wet lacking inside large water drops dimensions.

The present invention offers advantages important.

First of all it prevents the plate from coming ejected unwanted drops of liquid.

Advantageously, it allows to achieve a good thermal uniformity inside the plate.

Another important advantage is that a device provided with such a plate can be assembled quickly and simple.

In practice, the executions of this invention can be made with any material, and can present any size, depending on the needs specific.

Claims (23)

1. Steam channeling plate which, in its inside, it has a labyrinth path (4) configured expressly for a fluid inside, said path (4) comprising:

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 a fluid inlet section (11);

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 a fluid outlet section (12);

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 a plurality of cavities (2);

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ducts (3) that interconnect fluid-dynamically the cavities (2) with each other and with the input section (11) and the output section (12);

each cavity (2) comprising a mouth (24) and a mouth (25) connected to the respective ducts (3) and each cavity (2) being defined by a first base surface (21) and a second base surface ( 22), at least partially facing each other, and by a lateral surface (23) extending between the first and second surface (21 and 22), the labyrinth path (4) changing the direction of fluid travel repeatedly to along more than two lines, characterized by the fact that the path (4) comprises means (5) for intercepting and breaking liquid droplets comprising reliefs (51) that extend into the cavities (2), the reliefs ( 51) extending radially from the ideal center of at least one of the base surfaces (21, 22). 2. Plate according to claim 1, characterized in that the ducts (3) in their entirety are arranged, in space, along more than two lines. 3. Plate according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the conduits (3) connected to the mouth (24) and the mouth (25) of each cavity (2) are arranged reciprocally, in space, along of oblique lines. 4. Plate according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the vapor displacement path (4) prevents fluid particles from traveling along any ideal rectilinear path longer than twice the maximum dimension of one of the cavities (2) along which the path extends. 5. Plate according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the fluid displacement path (4) prevents liquid particles from moving along any ideal rectilinear path longer than the sum of the length of the duct (3) plus the maximum dimension of one of the cavities (2) along which the path extends. 6. Plate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (5) for intercepting and breaking liquid drops comprise the lateral surface (23) that delimits the cavities (2), the lateral surface (23) being configured as the lateral surface (23) of a prism. 7. Plate according to claim 6, characterized in that the lateral surface (23) delimiting the cavities (2) is configured as the lateral surface (23) of a hexagonal base prism. 8. Plate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reliefs (51) are made on at least one of the base surfaces (21, 22). 9. Plate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reliefs (51) are made on both base surfaces (21 and 22). 10. Plate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shape of the cavities (2) is similar. 11. Plate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavities (2) are identical. 12. Plate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the ducts (3) is connected to the mouth (25) of at least one of the cavities (2) at least in correspondence of the second base surface (22) and to the mouth (24) of the next cavity (2) at least in correspondence of the first base surface (21). 13. Plate according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one of the ducts (3) is connected to the mouth (25) of at least one of the cavities (2) in correspondence of the second base surface (22) and to the mouth (24) of the next cavity (2) corresponding to the first base surface (21). 14. Plate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (9) for retaining the liquid drops. 15. Plate according to claim 14, characterized in that the retention means (9) comprise the lateral surface (23) of the cavity (2) that descends from the first base surface (21) to the mouth (25) from the cavity (2) to create a level difference (91). 16. Plate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least a first configured portion (13) and at least a second portion (14), detachable from the first, the path (4) of the current being defined by the combination of the first and second portions (13 and 14) of the plate (1). 17. Plate according to claim 16, characterized in that the first portion (13) of the plate (1) comprises the first base surface (21) and the lateral surface (23) of the cavities (2), while the second portion (14) of the plate (1) comprises protuberances (7) whose bases are in the form of a polygon, which extends along a first line at right angles to the first portion (13) of the plate (1), each protuberance (7) being suitable to be introduced into an opening (20) defined by the lateral surface (23) of the cavity (2) and being in contact with the same lateral surface (23). 18. Plate according to claim 17, characterized in that the protuberances (7) narrow the conduit (3) at least in correspondence of the mouth (24) of each cavity (2). 19. Plate according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the protuberances (7) comprise at least one concavity (70) corresponding to a base (71) and a groove (72) which places the concavity (70) in communication with the external part of the protuberance (7). 20. Plate according to any one of the preceding claims from 16 to 19, characterized in that the second portion (14) of the plate (1) comprises connection means (8) that have a predetermined taper and are fit to be introduced within respective flares (6) made in the first portion (13) of the plate (1), these are also configured according to a predetermined tapering angle. 21. Plate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each cavity (2) comprises a single mouth (24) and a single mouth (25). 22. Steam iron, characterized in that it comprises a plate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. 23. Steam cooking device, characterized in that it comprises a plate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 21.